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Royal Yacht Britannia attracted record number of visitors in 2018

The Royal Yacht Britannia welcomed over 390,000 visitors in 2018 – marking the most successful year for the vessel since it opened to the public in 1998.

The Queen’s former floating palace also recorded its six millionth visitor as it broke attendance records for the 12th year in a row.

Described as Scotland’s ‘best visitor attraction’, the five-star luxury venue, which is also used for exclusive corporate events, has been permanently berthed in Leith docks since it was decommissioned 20 years ago.

Bob Downie, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia, said: “To have our busiest year ever, some twenty years since first opening, is a real testament to the outstanding work that our staff do to ensure that all our visitors have a great experience and then recommend us to their friends and family”.

Britannia is owned and cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is one of the most famous ships in the world, sailing a million miles around the globe, on a thousand official visits, during her 44 years in Royal service.

It will welcome its ‘sister’ ship Fingal into service this week, which launches as Scotland’s first luxury floating hotel, also in Leith docks. The 23-cabin boutique hotel and exclusive-use venue, which is a former lighthouse tender, will be a welcome addition to Britannia, as it will allow evening guests the option of luxury overnight accommodation.